How to use Epsom Salt for Your Health and Beauty?

Epsom Salt has countless healthful benefits. This long-time remedy has been useful for almost everything from relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, back pain, healing cuts, bruises, or sores, muscle strain, constipation or irregularity, washing oily hair, exfoliating the body treating cold and congestion to drawing toxins from the body.

Most of us have had stress related problems some time in our lives and all of us have learnt to deal with it in different ways. But how many of us have tried soaking in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salt to ease that stress? Not many surely.

Don’t mistake Epsom Salt as table salt. Table salt is sodium chloride and is an entirely different substance than Epsom Salt, which is made of two components: magnesium and sulfate. Interestingly, unlike other salts, Epsom Salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul.

• Eases stress and relaxes body

Stress drains the body of magnesium and Epsom Salt is considered to be a natural stress reliever. When dissolved in warm water Magnesium Sulfate is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom Salt at least three times a week helps to look better, feel better and gain more energy.Magnesium ions also lowers blood pressure, creates a relaxed feeling, improves sleep, concentration, and helps muscles and nerves to function properly.

• Relieves pain and muscle cramps

Try soaking your aching, tired feet in a tub of water with half a cup of Epsom Salt, this will not only make your feet feel better, but also removes feet odor.

• Exfoliates dead skin

Try massaging handful of Epsom Salt mixed with tablespoon bath oil or olive oil and rub all over your moist skin to exfoliate and soften your skin. Then sponge down. This could prove to be a real quick-fix beauty tip you’ve ever known.

• Dislodge blackheads

Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.

• Makes insulin more effective

This salt also increases the effectiveness of insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.

• Relieves constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom Salt can also be used to treat constipation. The salt acts like a laxative. It increases the water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom Salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician as it may prove to be harmful in some cases.
For occasional constipation or irregularity, adults can mix 2 to 4 teaspoons into water until dissolved and drink. Kids 6 to 12 take half of that. This can be used just once every month.

• Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

• Eliminates toxins from the body (Detoxification)

Taken internally Epson Salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.

• Athlete’s Foot

 Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.

• Treat toenail fungus

Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.

• Soothe sprains and bruises

Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.

• Remove hairspray

Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.

• Oily Hair

Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.

CAUTION

1. Discuss use and application with your doctor.
2. Do not use if you are pregnant or allergic to sulfer.
3. If you are diabetic, have thyroid problems, adrenal issues, and such in which will affect the kidneys in their ability to clear, then one should not use this product unless they consult their physician.

Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom Salt a part of your daily routine can add a whole lot of goodness to your way of life.

Best Anti-Aging Foods!

Antiaging food has been a hot topic recently.Learning to eat to improve you health, to feel, and look younger is quite easy if you learn a few of the important anti aging foods.Even more importantly, you'll discover these foods are delicious, and a pleasure to eat. Here are some of the best anti aging foods:

• Black and dark blue colored berries are an excellent source of antioxidants called flavonoids. These antioxidants can aid in producing stronger cells, which are more resistant to aging and disease.
•  Fresh deep ocean fish, which are high in Omega 3 fatty acids can also give you great benefits. The Omega 3 has been shown to help reduce cholesterol, and other unhealthy fats in your blood.Two of the most available, and delicious fish in the category are tuna and salmon. Frozen fish is fine, but avoid pre-cooked, and especially canned varieties of the fish. The freshest options available will give you the greatest benefits. 
•  Garlic is recognized as one of the best anti aging foods due to its remarkable ability to aid in cardiovascular health. Garlic can help in reducing cholesterol, reduces the risk of colon cancer, and even is effective in thinning the blood.
• |To keep your vision sharp, set your sights on spinach , broccoli,and other dark leafy greens. These veggies are prime sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments that protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that plays a role in reducing bone loss and preventing fractures.
• Ginger has been used throughout the centuries to treat many different physical conditions. Ginger aids in circulatory and digestive health. Many people also report it helps give them relief from aches and pains in their joints. Ginger can be consumed in various dishes, but also makes a delightful tea.
• Add avocados to your list of great anti aging foods. Avocados are for younger looking skin,they filled with great cholesterol fighting fats to help keep your body's circulatory system clean and ready for many more years of action.
• Water is the most essential beverage on the planet. It is basic for every function in our body. Make sure you drink plenty water everyday.Use water to detoxify and keep smooth skin
• Green tea is an excellent choice of beverage, being high in antioxidants, and pleasing to the taste buds.
•  Protein:experts recommend eating plenty of skinless chicken and turkey breast, lean beef , eggs, beans, and seafood. And don't forget protein-rich dairy: Minerals (primarily calcium, phosphorus, and potassium) in fat-free milk and yogurt as well as low-fat cheeses help to keep blood pressure healthy,  and bones strong. News flash: Calcium can't build bone if you're not getting enough protein,
• Another reason to eat some yogurt: Eating at least 1/4 cup every day led to a 60 percent lower risk of gum disease and a 50 percent lower risk of tooth loss in a Japanese study. The effect is thought to be linked to the probiotics in yogurt, but not in most other dairy.
• Carrots for cancer protection: Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene which is a powerful antioxidant that fights aging and many diseases. Studies have shown that people who eat one medium carrot a day significantly reduced risk of lung cancer. Beta carotene also keeps your vision sharp protecting your eyes from age related diseases. It is also important for keeping your immune system strong.Carrots give you most benefits if eaten uncooked. If you don't feel like eating a row carrot, try adding it to your salads, it gives slightly sweet taste to a salad. Alternatively drink carrot juice once in a while.
• Nuts to bust your immune system: Raw nuts are very high in fiber; they are also a good source of vitamins and potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper and selenium. They control cholesterol level and strengthen your immune system. The only draw back of nuts is that they are high in fat, so a couple table spoons a day is good but not more.Only row nuts are good anti-aging food. Avoid salted and roasted nuts, they do more damage to your health than bring benefits. A good way to add nuts to your everyday diet is to sprinkle them over a salad or to add them to cereals.

Include these products in your diet on a regular basis and you will see that soon you will feel and look younger than your physical age. Take time to plan out your menus to include plenty of these nutritious, and delicious foods.

A Year Without Soda,Why You should Quit Drinking Soda?!

It has been year since I made the decision to cut all soda out of my life, at first it was hard but by the 2nd month I knew I could make it, all it takes is willingness. This may not be a big accomplishment to some people but to me it's HUGE! I was a huge soda drinker. I really didnt drink very much water at all only a glass by my bed at night. I would drink cans of soda in minutes, sometimes up to 2 liters in one day!
I'm not sure what made me decide to quit drinking soda, it was also the day I decided to get healthy. Maybe it was because my teeth were looking yellow , or because it was so many calories that I don't really need. Lucky for me I do love water.
And thats why I thought it deserved its own post! I'm ready for the next soda-free year!

Why quit drinking sodas?
I can’t really see any particular reason for drinking sodas other than continuing to get that sugar/caffeine/aspartame ''high'' which isn’t really a high; it’s the lack of those substances that makes you feel bad, so you only bring yourself back to normal when you ingest them. So how do you escape your tastebuds’ cloying captor, the soda?
Most people know that soda is not good for them. Yet, they keep on drinking it, even though they know some of the risks involved. Soda is actually worse for your health than you might think

It is actually dangerous to your health! Here are ten of the many reasons to kick the soda habit.

1.Phosphorus found in most sodas contribute to bone loss by inhibiting the absorption of calcium.
2.High fructose corn syrup is linked to high blood sugar and diabetes.
3.High fructose corn syrup is not absorbed like other sugars. It is processed through the liver and is the sugar that is most easily converted to fat.
4.Carbonated drinks are linked to acid reflux, and esophageal cancer.
5.Kids who drink soda on average have more cavities than kids who do not drink soda.
6.Caffeine and sugar both cause dehydration.
7.If you think diet soda is better think again. Aspartame is made from formaldehyde and and menthol. These toxins are known to cause nerve damage, headaches, and blurred vision.
8.New studies link Aspartame in diet soda to sugar cravings. Experts believe that tricking your palate with artificial sweetener can cause the body to want the sugar in another form.
9.Drinking either regular or diet soda is linked to obesity.
10.There are so many better (and tastier) things to drink than soda!

What should you drink, then? There is certainly alot to choose from. Here are a few of the best:
1.Water. Bring bottles filled with water every where you go and make a pledge to drink only water at home. Water is the best drink in the world. Stay away from flavored waters though. Many of them are filled with sugar, and caffeine.
2. Let’s face it, no one wants to drink water all day. Keep tea bags on hand. Any kind of tea herbal, green or black. They are rich in antioxidants, shown to prevent cavities and protects the body form many health conditions. Try to avoid adding sweeteners, if you must try juice or stevia.You can drink it iced!
3.100% Juice. While it is important to drink juice only in moderation. Fruit juice can be useful for flavoring your water and teas. Try pomegranate, cranberry or lemon juice.
What you choose to drink is a very important decision to make for (or against) your health. Make the commitment to quit drinking soda. It gets easier the longer you go with out it.

My tips for quitting:

• Be positive about why you are quitting. Set some goals. Are you wanting to kick your caffeine habit? Are you wanting to lose weight? Keep the goal clear in your mind and don't back down.And Think of all of the bad things about soda. Do some research. Not only can it dehydrate you, but also people believe that some of the ingredients can lead to worse things! Think of the bad acid levels in each can and the cavities it can potentially cause in your mouth!
• Limit your soda intake first. Limit yourself to one can a day and over a course of a few days begin to decrease the amount you take in. Go from one soda a day to one soda every other day to every three days until you eventually quit drinking it.
• Have time. It takes quite awhile to adjust from a life full of soda/caffeine to none at all.Be patient and know in your mind that you won't overcome this in one day. Sometimes it takes a week sometimes it takes a month. Be prepared!
• When you feel thirsty, drink juice or water. These are much better for you and you'll drink larger amounts. Soda can sometimes dehydrate your body. The other liquids will make you feel ten times better.
• Sleep. If you feel headaches coming on, get some rest. Time and rest are the only cures. Don't feel discouraged. Think of it as a time for yourself and pamper yourself if necessary.
• If you're still having trouble cutting soda out of your life, ease yourself off of it by pouring out a little soda each time and watering it down.
• Quit with a friend. It's always good to have someone quitting with you. Not only can you talk to them about their experiences, but you can also have someone to support you.
• Drink coffee in moderation .Just a cup or two of  in the morning to please your caffeine craving. and make sure you don’t waste your money buying it  brew some at home. Don’t skimp, either – buy something flavorful or you’re going to hate it.
• Think of all the money you will save.
• Public goal-setting is a great way to maintain a resolution.So,Tell your friends, family, co-workers and anyone else who cares to listen that you are eliminating soda from your life and there will be supporters.

So that’s it. If I forgot a tip, feel free to comment!

Have a great weekend everybody!